Elections 2013: Don’t take General Musharraf lightly
Given the volatile political situation of the country, it is hard to predict who will be supporting whom and which party will be contesting for premiership in the next general elections. But one thing seems to be certain, General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is going to eventually land at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and hundreds, if not thousands, of activists of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will be welcoming the commando back home along with workers of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).
Why am I so sure?
I am no fortune-teller but I can guess the future scenario with the help of some ongoing statements and political manoeuvring.
Very recently, MQM senior leader, Farooq Sattar said the party would have no problem supporting Musharraf in the next general elections. Sattar even went on to say the MQM would not field a candidate against Musharraf if he contested in the election from Karachi. No doubt, Musharraf strengthened the MQM’s power through the local government system and doled out billions of rupees to then city Nazim Mustafa Kamal for development work. Musharraf also enjoys close relations with MQM chief Altaf Hussain and can easily win his support for the APML in the next general elections.
The retired General is a mohajir and a resident of Karachi. It is thus understandable that he can contest for a national assembly seat from this constituency. Everyone knows the MQM is popular in certain constituencies of Karachi and the commando can return uncontested or even trounce his opponent from any other political party with a heavy margin.
So is it actually this simple to become a Member of the National Assembly?
Yes, if you have got connections at the right place and can use them at the right time. Indeed, who knows this better than Musharraf, the all-powerful former president and Chief of Army Staff?
In any case, why would Musharraf not be a MNA? He is a citizen of Pakistan and enjoys all the constitutional rights like anybody else living in this country.
People from Punjab and Balochistan despise him, but most Karachiites have got no problem with him. Billions of rupees were spent on development projects which were launched in Karachi during his stint and the business community of the city also benefited from his liberal and progressive economic policies. The business community would even be willing to fund his political campaign, especially if they get a hint from ‘particular’ quarters.
People have said that General Musharraf has faced serious life threats from fanatics for the military operation against Lal Masjid and the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, therefore he won’t return. Yes, there are threats to his life and he also faces court trials in these cases including for the death of Benazir Bhutto. However, being the former Chief of Army Staff and having connections in the corridors of power, I think, he can manage all these issues. If he can promulgate National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) for a safe return of Benazir Bhutto in the country, President Zardari can also return the favour.
For those who are still disbelievers — ladies and gentlemen, this is Pakistan we are talking about – nothing is impossible here.
The leadership of the PML-N is also just limited to rhetoric against Musharraf. If Nawaz Sharif is so serious in prosecution of the former president under Article 6 of the constitution, why does he not move to the apex court for the same? Why has he failed to file a reference against Musharraf despite repeated demands of the Pakistan Peoples Party leadership? Public statements are one thing but doing something practical is quite difficult.
Moreover, the common man has fond memories of Musharraf’s era owing to the failure of the present so-called democratic dispensation. The much-trumpeted ‘Khadim-e-Ala’ has also failed to bring any positive change in the life of ordinary people. Much like the leadership of the PPP, he too only makes public statements and people don’t take him seriously any more.
But what can Musharraf do even if he is elected as a MNA?
The All Pakistan Muslim League (Musharraf’s party) could form an alliance with small political parties like PTI, MQM, PML-F, BNP and others. Collectively, they would be able to give a tough time to the government if they opt for sitting on the opposition benches. Some parliamentarians from the PML-Q could also join Musharraf’s party upon his return to the country, so it would be foolish to take the commando lightly.
While it would be a stretch to say that Musharraf will be the next prime minister, I will go as far as to speculate that he will be an MNA at the very least. I definitely see the starts aligning in favour of the retired General.
_________________________________________________________
Loading ...
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.
ok just one word in reply: HAHAHA :pRecommend
“The retired General is a mohajir and a resident of Karachi.” – seriously ? even educated bloggers like you don’t mind pulling ethnic cards ?
can we stop calling people by their ethnicity’s (btw what does even mohajir means here ?)Recommend
I’m sorry to say but this is really a pathetic argument and far removed from reality…too hypothethical and lacking in substance.Recommend
We need Pervez Musharraf back for the restoration of peace, progress,honour and development of our beloved country. Pakistan First, Pakistan has to be First. Pakistan Zindabad !Recommend
Mr. Commando from 2002 – 2007 incresed our countires gdp every year by 6.78%. So what if he made lil mistakes along the way (after all we are all humans). He should definetly be given a chance.Recommend
The scenario you are foreseeing is certainly possible.Recommend
Musharraf having an alliance with MQM, PML (Q) and PTI can do something to take Pakistan out of this situation. He was an Army Chief and he knows the ground reality. However zardari and shareef brothers, though shareef by their name only, can only bark.Recommend
umm u just called MQM a ‘small political party’. do some research bro.Recommend
Well your very much rightRecommend
Nice article and I wouldn’t be surprised if MQM struck a deal with Musharraf. Being a Karchitte I have no problem with Mushrraf and I think it would be a natural alliance of Mushrraf go for MQM. I think PTI should also join MQM+APML to create a strong resistance against the landlords and corrupt system.
Thumbs up for the writer..Recommend
Nannay munnay khwab.Recommend
High Impact
Low LikelihoodRecommend
yeah possible, if he is fortunate enough to dodge a suo moto notice by CJ. who will love to have him in his court on one pretext or another..BB case or Bugti case, NRO or some treason charge..
nah dude, sharks are waiting to swallow him alive if he dares to come back..Recommend
The point is why Musharraf http://t.co/t8ggr7QpRecommend
a totally pathetic and a biased article by the concerned writer. it is said that he sees people by wearing his ethnic glasses. Musharraf might be a good leader but he is a Pakistani first!Recommend
A very good analysis on the emerging political scenario ………… Indeed, Musharraf is faced with a number of problems but it does not mean he’ll not return Pakistan. We know all the ‘political leaders’ of the country who are lackey of the US and Pak Army …….. I believe most of the top leaders will be swarming him in his Chak Shahzad’s house after he returns home.
Musharraf knows how to play politics and all N, P and other type of politicians would be supporting him if they get hint from ‘particular’ quarters.
THUMBS UP for the writer of this blog.Recommend
Love You Musharraf !Recommend
Not possible in for decades at leastRecommend
Honesty + Vision + Courage + Patriotism = Pervez MusharrafRecommend
http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/musharraf-ready-return-pakistan-0021662
Your future PM told me he left the country because he was not playing any part here.Recommend
Without NOC of security establishment Pervez Musharaf has no future in Pakistani politics and there are some indications.Recommend
he has too many court cases to fight when he comes back! but then again, i am from Punjab and would not mind giving someone else a chance regardless of where they are from if they can get the country out of the mess it is in…Recommend
Let’s look at what Musharraf achieved and comapre it to the sham democracy that preceeded it.
He tried to build dams, especially the Kalabagh dam which he and pretty much the entire country apart from a few feudals recognised as essential for the good of the country.
It was the PPP that killed of the proposal to please it feudal Sindhi overlords.
Also he invested in education. The PPP governemnt slashes education funding every year. It tried to destroy the HEC, only a national out cry stopped it.
Instead it spends 3+ billion ruppees on lodges for the Nawabs in the NA and and underground tunnels like you see in the Washington DC! The list of their miss use of government money is too long to list.
The PML-N was a corrupt/inept failure that matched Bhutto’s reigns in power. Every scheme the PPP launches from IPP independant power producers in the 1990s onward to everything Zardari had a hand in during Bhutto’s regime was dogged by feudalism and corruption.
Yes Musharraf wasn’t perfect but his reigns were far better for the country than either the PPP or PML-N.Recommend
Musharraf is the best leader Pakistan ever had. Let him land in Pakistan then heavy weight political leaders will start feeling the heat. I am from Lahore – where poor people miss him too much. One thing that can go in his favor is that people have got tired of both PML-N and PPP. This the reason we see political gap being filled by Imran khan. I am sure with arrival of Musharraf situation will change. There is no serious case aginst him – though there is serious threat to his life from terrorists.Recommend
@Tipu:
yes, because 2008-present has been so full of honey and milk, right?Recommend
@Ashar Siddiqui:
I agree…the resistance to president musharraf is more from those people who have fallen for this propaganda against him. yes, did he err in judgement on a few occasions. no doubt. but again he is a human and that is a natural part of any leaders reign. however, given our history, president musharrafs time was of WAYY more good than any potential bad or fallout. the NRO was a result of peoples own voting records, and the PPP and the PML-N cannot be sidelined. thats dictatorial. he did the democratic thing by allowing them to contest in elections. the people didnt have to vote for them. i dont see that being musharrafs fault. in any case, he has apologized for it. i think president musharr and imran khan need to get together to rid pakistan of our corrupt political leaders.Recommend
I and others good Pakistani likes Musharraf as a Pakistan leader and President.Recommend
Musharraf was once considered inconvincible but what happened to him later, it is now a public knowledge. Even then keeping in mind past experiences, the writer’s point of view cannot be ignored. Everybody knows all the hue and cry against Musharraf will get settled once he lands in Pakistan.
However, threats to his life from extremists and fanatics cannot be ruled out.Recommend
Not only urdu speaking brothers, but we Pakistani baluch, and many panjabies also like Musharraf. In fact in his party’s inner-circle there is only one important urdu speaker, all the others are punjabies, and the of course, Muhammad Ali Saif is pathan. He can unite people and organizations, army and civilians. Can have better relations with the world. so thumbs up for General Musharraf!Recommend
I am no supporter of MQM, but this very attitude and racial hatred has lead Pakistan to the state where it is. Speaking of reputation, it can be false, but truths like PPPP & PML-N’s assets and corruption are a far bigger reality than MQM’s reputation. And yeah … about weapons, the entire Pakistan, far moreso Punjab, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa and all thrives on the “jagirdaari system” and it doesn’t work with roses and candies either. Unfortunately, this is Pakistani politics … and it is so because people like the one who writes the above comment cannot think beyond their own race or ethnicity. And yeah, if Punjab can benefit from most of Pakistan’s resources, why can’t the whole country like Karachi, Balochistan and all … after all, if it wasn’t for uneven distribution of wealth, we would still have Bangladesh with us. As far as Musharraf goes … any informed person who can read and write should compare statistics from his time and those of PPPP and PML-N … think like a Pakistani, you can elect him just for that!Recommend
@sam:
The reality of life is that Mohajirs do not vote for non-mohajirs or for parties with non-mohajir leadership. In view of this Musharraf can get elected from Karachi with MQM support. Without this kind of support, he is not electable. There is also the possibility of and Imran Khan Musharraf alliance which can lead to either the position of President of Prime Minister provided the COAS and the Corps Commanders want it to happen.Recommend
Musharraf does need a particular consituency – he can win from any major city.Recommend
@Haider:
PML(Q) is a dummy party set up by the establishment, PTI is not electable and has no support and MQM is a mafia. The combination of these three with a former dictator as a leader does not seem to bring anything to the table nor appear to be a viable solution to Pakistan’s problems.Recommend
The bigger dilemma is for people who don’t agree with the MQM’s messed up philosophies but support Musharraf.. Mushy was and still is an asset for Pakistan. Look at the economy now and compare to his era..Recommend
Good analysis except the ethnic comments . Musharraf is a True Pakistani who is currently fighting the cause of Pakistan all over USA so please don’t give him an ethnic name
I recently had an opportunity to ask him a similar question : What will you do if you done get Majority and get some 30-40 seats . Will you join hands with corrupt rulers like Nawaz Sharif and Zardari, You will be in opposition or you will leave the country once more
His answer was : I can’t leave 30 -40 constituents who voted for me . I will make alliance with smaller parties ( think he meant MWM and Imran khan etc) and either form government or sit in opposition but not join hands with current corrupt leaders.
this explains the sincerity of Mr. Musharraf > Let us see what happens but please vote wherever you areRecommend
@pinky:
What suo moto and how many suo motos ??; example Sugar price,Karchi riots ,NRO , Bank scnadal etc etc .Nothing happened. No bode cares about CJ anymore he has degraded the judiciary in m opinion. May be it has become more oppurtunist .Recommend
Anyone but Zardari & Nawaz.Recommend
ET should not publish such ethnocentric blogs!! What does the writer mean by “People from Punjab and Balochistan despise him, but most Karachiites have got no problem with him.” ?? Poor generalization !Recommend
“If he can promulgate National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) for a safe return of Benazir Bhutto in the country, President Zardari can also return the favour.”
What nonsense !!! Is the writer suggesting that 2 wrongs make a right ?Recommend
Nothing impossible, in fact it is quite possible and the most likely in the next polls, if according to the writer Mr. commando gets clearance from the corridors of power.
Wish to see the ex army chief in the national assembly as representive of people from one constituency.Recommend
@sam:
He mentioned it because it has important. The MQM was originally the Muhajir Qaumi Movement, many parties depend on ethnicity as well for votes (like PML (N) in Punjab and PPP in Sindh). Ethnicity is important, and its giving another reason of why Musharraf would most probably run from Karachi if he were to contest the next elections.Recommend
unimpressive article. Mush should do the people of Pakistan a favor and not bother coming back. His joining the race will cannibalize the vote bank of the only truly honest person in Pakistan politics today; IMRAN KHANRecommend
After reading the blog, I felt that many in Pakistan fail to understand the value of their vote. Many of us do vote, but having an ink mark on our thumb does not mark the end of our civic duty. When we come out in numbers, the politicians who take Pakistanis for granted are shaken to the core. Not only the government, but the army also realizes that it becomes powerless when it is dealing with the nation as one.
It is high time that people realize the power in them and the politicians start fearing their wrath—after all these politicians will have to face the people again in the next elections. Hence the real solution isn’t another army takeover but a natural death to this government by making it unpopular and then re-elections. And then it is we, the people, who should choose our representatives intelligently, not just on emotional grounds, like if A is bad then B should come or if B fails then A should make a come back. We, the people, must bring in new faces for the next elections.
This is the time for the silent majority to break the “silence of lambs” and denounce all violent acts against innocent men and women whether it happens in Pakistan, Iraq, Iran or elsewhere. The solution to this problem has to come from within the Islamic society. If they can do this, they will get the moral upper hand to get the support of the world in dealing with some of the vexing issues like Palestine…Recommend
great job…very good article keep it up…Recommend
He will land and will face the cases and arrest warrants against him for bugti and other people, will he really even come back to pakistan?Recommend
The only logic that makes sense is that if the present incumbent can make it, then so can Musharraf.Recommend
if Sharif brothers and PPP can return to further ruin the country then why not the Musharraf who atleast have some credibility at international level…..Recommend
Jiay Musharraf!Recommend
Yes, you are right, we should not take General lightly. First of all when he returns home, finding his hideout will be a serious task. Secondly, security of his party ticket holders (if he finds any) will be an expensive business. If everything goes well, then after elections sending him back will be a huge effort, as no country will accept this useless person.Recommend
@author
dont take mr president lightlyRecommend
This is Pakistan and everything is possible…Musharaf has the right to come back and contest elections but he should hold himself accountable and should not repeat his past mistakes…….Recommend
Just one Comment…
PTI is not a small party any more Bro.
Tehreek E Insaf has become the main stream political party in Pakistan. You can have a glance of its popularity on 30th of this month at Minar e Pakistan Lahore….Recommend
musharaf iz the best of pakistani leader in pakistan.Yes, you are right, we should not take General lightly. First of all when he returns home.Recommend
dont try to put jan in murda gadha.Recommend
Musharraf ideas has further merginalized the society of Pakistan.his operations on maddrisah were useless. he should not be welcomed by the people of this country.Recommend
One thing for sure, when Musharraf comes to Pakistan this time Nawaz Sharif will not be able to find a refuge.Recommend
Very objective analysis. I wish the writer hadn’t used the word “Mohajir” for Musharraf, niether the commando himself nor his supporters would want to label a former President and Army Chief as a Mohajir !!! So not fair !!! Musharraf’s parents must have been mohajir, as they migrated to Pakistan in 1947, but Musharraf is a pure Karachiite, and a true patriot, he has always spoken for Pakistan, never used the ethnic card like the PPP does in Sind and the PML-N does in Punjab. So that’s is one more reason why Mush should be back power.Recommend
By the way for the record, he can easily win from Chitral. As many of you already know!Recommend
Moshraf’s shelf life is over.Period.Recommend
A person shouldnt be ethnically biased. Mr Musharrraf is a Pakistani first. This biased mentality has ruined our country and led to its dismemberment in 1971. I say to all to quit this level of thinking and concentrate on rebuilding our country. We are all Pakistanis! I pray Musharraf succeeds in his endeavours, amen!Recommend
This piece is very shallow and contains poor generalizations. You have made a point of saying that Musharraf enjoys support in Karachi because people there who are ethnic Muhajirs will support him but that people in Baluchistan and Punjab despise him. Have you forgotten that people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and most Sindis also do not support him. In essence it means the majority of Pakistan’s people don’t support him. Does not that tell you that a man who does not enjoy the support of the majority has no place in Pakistan’s politics? We witnessed 9 years of dictatorship under Musharraf which lead to the current state of affairs with the NRO and his living in exile. Rightly or wrongly most Pakistanis attribute all of Pakistan’s current problems with terrorism and instability to Musharraf’s rule. Why can’t we just turn a new page and leave Musharraf in London. I am sure that even the army has enough of a “commando” who can use his military skills to take over a civilian government.Recommend
We will bring him back . We want him to bring the country back to economic growth. what he should take care is to avoid being lenient with these currupt polititians aand avoid confrontation with the judiciary . He is a brave man and Pakistanis stop beleving all those who are supporting these currupts and looters of countrys wealth and degrading the country to a level, it will be very hard task to bring it back on to the rails. I feel the pwer players will, and recommend , should support him. All cases made against him are bogus and have no honest value .All Pakistanis who love their country,will support him and not PPP the looters and Sharifs as future power players in Pakistan politics. Imran Khanand Musharraf can jointly take couyntry out of the present turmoilRecommend
Sick @Natasha Suleman:Recommend
I believe in democracy and won’t mind if General Musharraf returns home to contest election from any of the constituency. To err is a human being and if he apologises for his mistakes and is ready to face the trials, he must come back and contest election.Recommend
Impressive analysis of political scenario. Musharraf is a legitimate citizen of Pakistan and he must return home. It’ll be interesting to see him in the next national assembly as one its members.Recommend
The analysis seems to be too far from the reality. Dictators have no future after they are overthrown and deposed from their position.
It’ll be a surprise to the whole nation if Musharraf is elected to the national assembly.Recommend
I will vote for him if he comes back.Recommend
Hasnain,
Hosla please. Reality bites.Recommend
One should remain optimistic about future of our country, we are a nuclear power and the credit for it goes to Nawaz Sharif. Musharraf toppled the government of Nawaz in 1999 and came to power. He committed an act of high treason and must be tried for the crime.
Musharraf is citizen of Pakistan and he should come back to face the charges against him. He can contest election and lead his party in the polls if he is cleared by the courts. People of Pakistan are better judge who to elect and who to reject, so let’s see what happens.Recommend
The history of military dictators show us that only a two time Pakistan went to peak of progress in the era of General Ayub khan and General Perviz Musharraf and that time a great era of this country. It is reality that don’t take General Musharraf lightly because due to depressed situation of Pakistan. The era of Musharraf was a great phase of Pakistan in my viewpoint due to few reasons. We saw no shortage of electricity no shortage of gas no high level corruption as well as no high level unemployment etc.
The Musharraf government took a good step for this country as well as their peoples. Specially in the field of education, it was great achievement of this person because as we all aware no nations can progress, if they have no knowledge or solution of the problems. It can only do if you are educated you can understand the problems and solved them very sharply.
If I see the current government and the role of opposition tear comes out of my eyes, that where we are going. Each and every department has reached to destroyed level for example Railway has totally collapsed, Pakistan steals mill full corruption energy crises reach on the peak, PIA etc, a lot of examples in front of us. Even when Musharraf sack his government that time the foreign loan of Pakistan was 6667bilion and now it has reached 11300 billion its very strange that how it would be possible in three years.
After these facts one question come in my mind, we should stop the corruption on high level to lower level, may be within few years we are be able to overcome the problems of Pakistan. We should think about it that in the 2013 elections may be the current government would be in opposition and currently opposition in the government. I think only faces would be changed and nothing else.
So, we should check another parties like a Musharraf, Imran khan etc, because they are very loyal for Pakistan according to their, that’s why I am saying nations should give a chance of these peoples. If anybody says that Musharraf take few bad decision like Lal-Masjad Case, Akbar Bukti case and CJP, so in my point of view only the one decision was wrong that was that dismissing of Chief Justice of Pakistan and nothing else, because mostly people have no aware of reality.
In the end I will say only, we should collectively think about of our country if a man sit on the chair of president or on the chair of 5 rank clerk and select the loyal person in the elections. It is good for the country and coming generations. Please think about and take it seriously as a good nation.Recommend
Musharraf did well for Pakistan.. not just Sindh or Karachi.. I am from Lahore and would like him to come back lead the country again.Recommend
A.o.A
Mushraf’s time is better than Zardari.I think Mushraf is a true pakistani politition.Recommend
Pervez Musharraf is a great leader and Pakistan made significant progress in multiple fields during his stint. He must return and contest elections. May Allah Almighty protect him from extremists and militants who are thirsty for his blood.
Musharraf Zindabad …………. Terrorism MurdabadRecommend
This article is to a very much extenet in favour of General Musharraf. This can be your own political view but not the reality. :)Recommend
yah…………
It seems possible that Mr. Musharraf will be our prime minister or MNA one day. Every thing is possible in Pakistan.Recommend
There was one comment up there stating that muhajirs don’t vote for non-muhajirs. This is factually wrong… leaders like Sherbaz Mazari (Baloch) and Nasrullah Khan (punjabi) won from Karachi in 1977. In early 70s, many mohajirs were forefront workers of Bhutto’s PPP as well. Mohajirs only turned to MQM when they felt let down by all the national parties. It is also incorrect to assume that Musharraf will only get supprot in Karachi. People of northern areas, Gilgit, Chitral, Skardu etc are also strong supproters of Musharraf because of the developemnt work he did there. There are also pockets of support for him in Punjab though indeed limited.Recommend
super article.. gives a broad view and encourage our moral that this alliance can bring a decent government in Pakistan.Recommend
Musharraf has got all the leadership abilities and he is also well connected in the corridors of power. He must return and take part in elections because people are fed up with old faces.
People need a leader like Mahatir Mohammad of Malysia who could make Pakistan a thriving economy and I hope Musharraf along with Imran Khan can do the wonders not only in economy but also in other fields of life.Recommend
@nayeem:
get out of a box ….. MQM is small party indeed, you need to do some research…. MQM only rule half of the province (mainly karachi).
know your stuff before running your mouthRecommend
5years ago if anyone would have made a statement that Zardari would be the president of unlucky Pakistan, not one person would have believd it. So, Mush can be one too, again.Recommend
Its not (even) worthy of a commentRecommend
Musharaf is nothing infront of imran khanRecommend
I don’t like the word mohajir. Isn’t nawaz also a so called mohajirRecommend
@Author: “The All Pakistan Muslim League (Musharraf’s party) could form an alliance with small political parties like PTI, MQM”
If there is an alliance with PTI who would be the PM candidate. DO you think that after 16 years struggle Imran will accept someone else as PM candidate? DO you think Musharraf will be wiling to be a minister under Imran’s leadership? In India usually all attempts to form 3rd front against major parties failed for this reason. Leader of each party has a big ego and they do not want to accept leadership of another party.
Yes MQM is very pro-Musharraf. No doubt about that. As Sattar said, they can vacate Karachi seat for him. FOr that matter, I am sure Musharraf would have no trouble getting elected as an MNA on his own steam. The issue is will MQM accept Musharraf as its leader? No. Altaf is the only leader they accept. In any event MQM does nothave any constituency outside Hyderabad and Karachi.Recommend
OMG!
This is too much.
I mean why PMLN is so worried about MQM ?Recommend